CyberHoot monitors for trends in attacks whether against organizations or individuals. Recently we learned of a growing trend in which Internet profiteers and porn websites are abusing woman through the use of DeepFake technology to impersonate real people without their consent. Since the vast majority of the public is unaware of this technology existing, individuals who view sexual deepfakes may not realize the “actors” in these videos are fake. The personalities portrayed have not given permission and feel violated by these videos.
A Ted Talk researcher (video linked below) stated that woman targeted by Deepfake pornography feel that despite knowing intellectually that the video is fake, it does not stop the feeling of being violated; they feel like hundreds or thousands of strangers have witnessed them in a sexual act. When walking down the street in public they wonder “Did anyone see these fake videos of me?”
Researchers like Samantha Cole have identified three commonalities reported by those who’s privacy has been abused by deepfake porn:
- These individuals have been targeted through no fault of their own.
- They have no legal recourse protecting them or to turn to for help.
- Once these deepfake videos are out there, there is no way to get rid of them.
For the individuals victimized by deepfake porn, the outcome can be devastating to their mental health and well being. What can and should be done to address these devastating attacks on woman (as of 2022, 95% of all deepfake porn targets women)?
What should be done?
Many countries (and states in the US) have laws making “revenge porn” illegal. “Revenge Porn” is classified as using or spreading sexual images of anyone (usually someone’s one-time partner) without their consent. However, these laws do not yet cover fake imagery or videos. Laws must be re-written with an expanded definition of “revenge porn” to include deepfakes.
Why should I care?
Simple: if it was your daughter who was targeted, what would you do? We need to protect the innocent lives from abuse by financially (or other) motivated individuals. Laws must be updated to reflect changes in technology. Artificial intelligence algorithms will get better and better over time. This problem is not going away. Change your country’s laws and prosecute the creators and purveyors of deepfake porn. Make examples of individuals caught creating these deepfakes to deter others from starting. Educate yourself on these trends and lack of legal protections.
What does this mean for an SMB?
SMBs are staffed by families. If one of your staff members is targeted, or has a family member targeted by deepfakes without their knowledge, contact law enforcement immediately. Then contact your congressional representative to get the laws of your state updated to make deepfake part of revenge porn, illegal, and prosecute the websites hosting such fake videos and images.